Victim's mother has pleaded guilty to aggravated child neglect

A Duval County jury on Wednesday evening convicted John Fitzgerald Hagans, 48, on one count of sexual battery.

According to prosecutors, police were notified last year of sexual activity involving a young child by an eyewitness to the abuse. The report said that Dalina Nicholas was so addicted to crack cocaine that she was failing to supervise the victim properly. The victim told authorities that Hagans, also known as "Mute," had touched her inappropriately.

Hagans faces a mandatory life sentence. He will be sentenced the week of September 16.

Nicholas pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child neglect and is awaiting her sentence. The state is recommending a sentence of no less than 25 years in prison for Nicholas.

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